Seoul 2023 Food Guide
You’re in Korea. Where Korean food is best. My suggestion would be to fully immerse yourself in the endless options that Korean cuisine has to offer first. Go check out that outdoor Korean BBQ restaurant, have some soju at the local bar, slurp your preferred choice of noodles at the noodle shop, and dine like a king at a traditional (han-jeongsik) restaurant. Don’t forget about your street food items like kimbap, ddukboki, and ramen. Visit a tea shop and have some rice cakes. Go get curry, dive into an array of stews, switch it up with some eel bbq. Go for sushi, dumplings, pancakes, the list goes on.
When in doubt, check out the lower level food courts of any of the three big malls: Hyundai, Lotte, or Shinsegae. You will not go wrong with any of the food court items or restaurants if you stick to Korean. Italian, Chinese, or American are usually the next safest choice. Below are examples of some of the food court meals I recently had.
Chicken Katsu Set
Chinese at Crystal Jade
Grilled Short Rib Patties (Tteokgalbi)
Yeolmu Barley Bibimbap
Firebell Burger
Fermented Soybean Paste Stew (Chunggukjang) Set
If you’re famished and looking for a quick grab-and-go, a 7/11, CU, or GS25 is on every corner of the block. There is also some sort of bakery or cafe on nearly every block. I’ve recently been enjoying the convenient toast chains located all around the city when I need a quick breakfast — Egg Drop and Isaac Toast — have both been delicious grab and go’s.
The noodle game is a strong one in Korea so don’t forget to dip into the endless options offered here. The best part? Depending on the noodles, a single order can cost you as little as 5000 KRW ($4 USD).
Mak-guksu
Jajangmyeon
Janchi-guksu
Tonkatsu Ramen
There is always something new about ready to be made known in Seoul’s dynamic food scene. If you have time to plan, it is best to make reservations on the weekends as most restaurants get booked fast. In any case, here are a few that I have enjoyed this past year.
**Note: You need a Korean phone number to book reservations online, alternative option is to book via call.
Summer Lane, Australian, Hannam-dong
Great Australian brunch spot with hip crowd for when you need some great breakfast flavors. Lines get long on the weekends so plan ahead.
써머레인, 서울 용산구 이태원로55가길 49 1층
La Cucina, Italian, Hannam-dong
Elegant, quiet, and traditional. La Cucina does simple dishes really well in a serene atmosphere. Offers separate rooms for groups seeking privacy.
라쿠치나, 서울시 용산구 회나무로44길 10
Submersible Bridge Jip (Jamsugyojib), BBQ, Apgujeong-dong
When meat is priority, but you prefer smaller bites. The pork belly here is so thin and so crispy. End it on a spicy note with the classic kimchee fried rice.
잠수교집 5호점, 서울 강남구 언주로153길 14
Pairing Room, Italian, Cheongdam-dong
Charming little spot for a new take on Italian great for dates or small groups. The pepper soybean pasta was a personal favorite that combines rich Korean soybean flavors to a wonderfully textured al dente pasta. *Each dish can be a hit or a miss given its exploratory DNA, (avoid any of the tomato based items offered here).
페어링룸, 서울 강남구 도산대로81길 14
Jinjak Dining, Japanese Fusion, Seongsu-dong
Your party wants pasta but maybe you want rice? Japanese fusion restaurant offering a variety of options. There’s something for everyone at this table.
진작다이닝, 서울 성동구 왕십리로14길 10
Cucciolo Terrazza, Italian, Cheongdam-dong
Good simple Italian in a cozy atmosphere that somehow has you feeling light (in the best way) afterwards. Great for dates and small gatherings.
쿠촐로 테라짜, 서울 강남구 선릉로152길 33
Yeongdong Eel, Eel Specialty, Nonhyeon-dong
You’ve had Korean BBQ but have you had the eel version? This traditional eel house serves you the-crispy-on-the-outside-chewy-on-the-inside-kind of goodness. Great for groups, offers private rooms.
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And for some lovely cafes…
Nudake, Apgujeong
If you’ve ever wondered what avant-garde dessert might look like, this is it. The highly conceptual dessert brand located underneath its parent eyewear company Gentle Monster really sticks to a particular vibe. Fortunately, it’s not all just looks; the taste is equally unique.
누데이크, 서울 강남구 압구정로46길 50, 하우스 도산 B1
Deux Amis Patisserie Cafe, Sinsa-dong
Think checkered floors, french cafe music, and all your sweets cravings. Come here to get a fill on french pastries.
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Hannam Atelier, Hannam-dong
It’s an art studio and cafe that happens to make beautiful coffee too. Walking in, you already feel inspired.
한남작업실, 서울 용산구 이태원로55나길 7, 1층
Cheongsudang Tea House, Ikseon-dong
This is for the tea lovers who want to cozy up in a traditional hanok house surrounded by a bamboo garden and hear the sound of water as you take bites into a soft strawberry souffle. Truly serene.
청수당, 서울 종로구 돈화문로11나길 31-9
Orby by Tailor Coffee at the Conran Shop
Connected to the Conran Shop that houses all the modern furniture items you want to buy, Orby by Tailor Coffee is the perfect break you need in between.
올비바이테일러커피, 서울 강남구 도곡로 401
